- published: 03 Jun 2013
- views: 11612
54•40 is a Canadian alternative rock group from Vancouver, British Columbia.
The band takes their name from the slogan Fifty-Four Forty or Fight!, coined to express the unsuccessful expansionist agenda of James K. Polk's presidency, intent upon controlling a contested U.S.-Canada border area in the Oregon boundary dispute.
The group formed in 1981 as a trio consisting of Brad Merritt (bass), Ian Franey (drums), and Neil Osborne (vocals/guitar). They made their recording debut that same year, with four tracks on the independent compilation LP Things Are Still Coming Ashore, which also featured music by Vancouver bands Animal Slaves and Junco Run. The following year, the band issued the EP Selection.
In 1983, Phil Comparelli was added on guitar, trumpet and vocals and Franey was replaced by Darryl Neudorf. Neudorf subsequently was replaced by drummer Matt Johnson in 1986.
The band's self-titled second album, released in 1986, began to attract attention from radio and record buyers across Canada, with the single "Baby Ran" gaining significant college radio airplay. Musician Dave Osborne (keyboards, harmonica), toured and recorded with the band from 1987 to 1993. The band's third album, Show Me, became their commercial breakthrough in Canada, with the hits "One Day in Your Life" and "One Gun".
Look into the wailing wall
Tell me what you see
Is there anyone out there?
Look into your tea cup
Tell me what you read
Is there anyone out there?
Should be counted, should be whole
Should be ransom for some soul
Need connection, need connection
Need connection
Look into the crystal ball
Tell me what you see
Is there anyone out there?
Stick it to the voodoo doll
Tell me if it bleeds
Is there anyone out there?
Should be counted, should be whole
Should be ransom for some soul
Need connection, need connection
Need connection
Oooooh, yeah
Oooooh, yeah
On the steps, singing for a friend
It's bagman backhand grand marcee
He's got a junta to parlez
A two time loser for a kill joy
In a last ditch in a jiff
He's got a sour note outta place, nervous face
In a trigger happy way
Sweatin' bullets all day
Make 'em, make 'em gang way
For the big enchilada
Yeah, yeah, and I'm crashing the gates
And I, I hear the whammy and I'm setting it straight, whoa
Should be counted, should be whole
Should be ransom for some soul
Need connection, need connection
Need connection, need connection
Oooooh, yeah
Oooooh, yeah, WHOOOOOA!
Oooooh, yeah
Oooooh, yeah